Watauga blasts Caldwell
By Steve Behr
 
Once Watauga’s 11-12 year-old Little League softball all-star team adjusted to the slower pitching of West Caldwell, there was little West could do to stop them.

Watauga rapped out 17 hits in four innings and rolled to an 18-7 victory in the loser’s bracket of the District 7 Tournament at Watauga High. Watauga, after falling to Ashe County on Monday, survived and hosts Morganton Friday at 7:30 p.m., also at Watauga High.

“It was a win that was necessary,” Watauga coach Jay Jackson said. “We didn’t show up and play very well. This game, the girls came to hit the ball.”

Watauga got three hits and four RBIs from Renee Taylor, who had an RBI double in the first inning and a two-run double in the second. She also hit an RBI single in the third inning and when she reached on an error in the fourth, Hope LaPointe scored a run.

LaPointe, Watauga’s lead-off batter, scored three runs and had two hits. Megan Jackson, batting third in the lineup, rapped out three hits, including an RBI triple in the third inning, scored three runs and drove in two more.

“Meagan and Renee have been in love with the long ball and we’ve had to get them to understand that a line drive and a base hit is what we’re really looking for,” Jay Jackson said. “The RBIs they put out tonight were really where it’s at.”

Amie Sigmann also had two hits and scored two runs, while Rachel Hawkins had two singles and an RBI.
Rachel Cox added two hits, including an RBI single, and Abby Carson had an RBI single in the fourth inning that saw Watauga score six runs.

Paige Miller, who pitched the first 2 2 2/3 innings, added two hits and scored a run. Miller allowed two hits and struck out two before being relieved by Jackson, who fanned four and did not allow a hit in 1 1/3 innings pitched.

Kaitlyn Caldwell had an RBI double and scored a run for West Caldwell.

In other games:
Watauga’s 9-10 year old all-star softball team lost 9-6 to Wilkes National on Tuesday.

Watauga will play West Caldwell at Collettsville Park at 5 p.m. Friday.

Watauga’s 11-12 American baseball all-stars lost 5-1 to Lenoir National Wednesday and play Thursday against Lenoir American at Lenoir Optimist Park. A win advances them into a game Friday against a team to be determined. A loss knocks Watauga out of the tournament.

Watauga’s 11-12 National all-star baseball team hosts West Caldwell Thursday at 6 p.m. at Boone Optimist Park. A win advances them into a game Friday, while a loss would eliminate the team.

Watauga’s 9-10 year old American baseball all-star team plays Wilkes National at Westwood Park in Wilkesboro Thursday at 7:30 p.m. They will also play Friday if they win and would be eliminated if they lose.

Watauga’s 9-10 year old National baseball team lost 7-2 to Wilkes American on Wednesday and play Lenoir American at Collettsville Park Thursday at 5 p.m. The winner advances and plays Friday, while the loser of the game Thursday is eliminated from the tournament.